MODULAR PARASITIC ARCHITECTURE

Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava

Project idea

The aim of the work is to introduce an unconventional solution for utilizing this type of brownfield under the bridge, which could also be universal for other brownfields, not just those under bridges. To reflect in a certain way on addressing the issue of brownfields in relation to the creation of heat islands in cities and reducing the carbon footprint in construction. To use architecture as a means to eliminate the problem of segregation in society and promote inclusion, and thus present a typology of student housing that is not just a functional monoblock. The design fully takes into account the diversity of the area and the dominance of the Lanfranconi Bridge, addresses the issue of traffic load, and enters the existing development sensitively, with full respect for and support of pedestrian routes and bicycle paths. At the same time, it reflects on the stereotypical presentation of modular architecture in the form of recycled shipping containers.
The target group for the design are people who need temporary housing, namely students, people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, hidden homeless individuals, and lonely but self-sufficient seniors. It is precisely the architectural and urban planning solution in designing new buildings that has a fundamental impact on the segregation of individual groups and inclusion in society.

Project description

Modular architecture is characterized by having a defined system and is marked by less structural variability than traditional construction. On the other hand, it is more efficient and economical in terms of construction. However, given the spatial limitation, it should not be a deterrent, especially from an architectural emphasis perspective. As time progresses, it is possible to use modularity as an efficient construction system without it being obvious. Modularity brings clear and clean lines, simple morphology, which is the basis of the design itself. The individual longitudinal masses are composed of a 3x3m grid. This module can accommodate all the basic rooms that are sufficient for temporary housing and are characterized by space savings. By combining the grid, it is possible to assemble several necessary housing combinations that cover both traditional student housing as well as cell-like functioning or student apartments. It is also possible to assemble starter apartments for young people after finishing school, as well as sharing housing for lonely seniors or hidden homeless individuals. It is also possible to assemble a full-fledged apartment from the grid. As noise, pollution from car traffic, and the creation of heat islands are major problems in the area, the buildings are of a gallery type, with the gallery facing the highway bridge. The buildings are also supplemented with plenty of greenery, which eliminates noise and pollution from the highway bridge and reduces the formation of heat islands, thereby increasing physical and mental well-being.

Technical information

The individual buildings function chronologically. They are created from individual, self-supporting modules stacked on top of each other, and to make them accessible on all floors, a gallery made of steel construction is attached. The steel frame structure is also welded in a 3x3 m grid from hollow rolled square-section profiles. The entire system of buildings is founded on a concrete base, to which it is anchored by means of footings. Just as on the front side, a steel frame is also attached to the modules on the opposite side, which increases variability on the facade, where it is possible to install planters with greenery, as in the design, or it is possible to create more private exterior areas. The frame structure around the lower buildings forms a secondary supporting structure for the individual units of the modular system, thus ensuring greater stability and resilience. Spatial rigidity is also ensured by hidden bracing of individual modules, which consists of a steel frame structure hidden in the sandwich composition of each unit structures. The taller - 10-story building has a reinforced concrete core, which is self-supporting and fulfills a bracing/static function. It also serves as a protected escape route type C.

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